About Good Shepherd Parish · Pittsburg, California
Church of the Good Shepherd is a Roman Catholic parish in Pittsburg, California, serving the community from its home at 3200 Harbor Street in eastern Contra Costa County. Founded in 1965 by Bishop Floyd L. Begin to meet the pastoral needs of Pittsburg's growing Italian-American population, the parish is now a multicultural community of 2,400–2,800 weekly Mass attendees that includes Spanish-, French-, Cameroon-, Nigerian-, and Filipino-speaking faithful. It belongs to the Diocese of Oakland (under Bishop Michael C. Barber, S.J.) and is currently led by Parochial Administrator Fr. Peter Lawongkerd alongside Deacon Alberto Cruz. Good Shepherd is known regionally for its vibrant youth ministry, its annual Passion Play, broad schedule of daily and weekend Masses, and its large Dabovich Parish Hall — one of the biggest event venues in Pittsburg.
- Established
- 1965
- Patron
- Good Shepherd (Jesus Christ)
- Rector
- Fr. Peter Lawongkerd (Parochial Administrator)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Oakland (Bishop Michael C. Barber, S.J.)
Why belong here
Good Shepherd welcomes parishioners with one of the broadest Mass schedules in the Pittsburg area — five Sunday Masses (including a livestreamed 10 AM Mass, a 3 PM Spanish Mass, and a 4:30 PM French Mass on the first Sunday of the month), a daily 7:30 AM Mass Monday through Friday, and continuous Eucharistic Adoration seven days a week. The parish is a genuinely multicultural community serving English-, Spanish-, French-, Cameroon-, Nigerian-, and Filipino-speaking faithful, with ministries for every age and stage: Children's Liturgy, EDGE Middle School youth ministry, a Life Teen–based Confirmation program, RCIA/OCIA for adults, Bible study, St. Vincent de Paul, an active choir under Music Director Dennis Riray, a Grief Support ministry, and the celebrated annual Passion Play. The Dabovich Parish Hall, the Spiritual Garden with the Stations of the Cross, and the Ministry Building host everything from quinceañeras and wedding banquets to crab feeds and prayer gatherings — making Good Shepherd as much a community center as a church.
Mass times at Good Shepherd Parish
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Fridays 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM (after the 7:30 AM Mass)
- Saturdays 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- By appointment
- Communal Reconciliation Service during Advent and Lent (schedules posted in the parish bulletin)
Adoration times
- Monday through Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sundays and Holidays: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (parishioners may obtain the entry code from the office Monday–Thursday)
Parish History
Good Shepherd was established on May 25, 1965, when Bishop Floyd L. Begin appointed Fr. Louis Dabovich as its first pastor in response to the pastoral needs of Pittsburg's growing Italian-American community. The first Mass was celebrated on July 4, 1965, in a leased former furniture store — giving rise to the affectionate nickname 'The Supermarket Church.' The present church and rectory were dedicated by Bishop Begin on September 6, 1970, on land that had been part of Camp Stoneman, a U.S. Army staging area for World War II and the Korean War. Over six decades the parish has grown from that improvised storefront into a multicultural community of 2,400–2,800 weekly attendees, while never losing touch with the devotion of its founders.
Founding Pastor and Early Decades
Fr. Louis Dabovich, a Yugoslavian-born priest, served as pastor from 1965 until his retirement in 1997 — 32 years — and remained in the parish until his death in 2001. The parish hall, dedicated by Bishop John Cummins in April 1980, was named the Fr. Louis Dabovich Hall in his honor and remains one of Pittsburg's largest event venues, hosting crab feeds, quinceañeras, wedding banquets, and civic gatherings.
Growth under Fr. Helmut Richter (1997–2012)
Fr. Helmut Richter became the second pastor in parish history in February 1997. His tenure saw the construction of the Ministry Building in 2000 (now housing all parish offices) and the realization of his vision for a Spiritual Prayer Garden in 2002, complete with the Stations of the Cross. In June 2011, with Bishop Salvatore Cordileone's approval, the church sanctuary and worship space were extensively renovated thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Seeno Family, in honor of Albert III and Rose Seeno.
Mass and Prayer Schedule
Good Shepherd runs one of the most generous Mass schedules in the Diocese of Oakland, including a daily 7:30 AM Mass Monday through Friday (livestreamed), Saturday morning Mass at 8:00 AM, a Saturday Vigil at 5:30 PM, and four to five Sunday Masses — 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM (livestreamed), 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM in Spanish, and a 4:30 PM French Mass on the first Sunday of each month. Holy Days bring a bilingual schedule (7:30 AM and 7:00 PM), the First Friday of each month includes a 7:00 PM Sacred Heart Mass, and a Healing Mass is celebrated at 8:00 AM on the fifth Saturday of every month.
Clergy and Staff
Good Shepherd is currently served by Parochial Administrator Fr. Peter Lawongkerd and Deacon Alberto Cruz. The lay staff includes Klarisse Tan (Youth Ministry Coordinator), Lorena Reyes (Faith Formation Coordinator), Dennis Riray (Music Director), Carmen Esquivel (Office Manager), Dina Russell (Bookkeeper), and Gerry Brochu (Maintenance).
- Fr. Peter Lawongkerd — Parochial Administrator (ext. 11)
- Deacon Alberto Cruz (ext. 23)
- Klarisse Tan — Youth Ministry Coordinator (ext. 21, [email protected])
- Lorena Reyes — Faith Formation Coordinator (ext. 20, [email protected])
- Dennis Riray — Music Director
- Carmen Esquivel — Office Manager (ext. 19, [email protected])
- Dina Russell — Bookkeeper (ext. 12)
- Gerry Brochu — Maintenance
Faith Formation and Religious Education
The parish runs a comprehensive Faith Formation program to assist families in passing on the Catholic faith to their children. Children's Liturgy of the Word is adapted for ages 5–10 during the 10:00 AM Sunday Mass, and children with special needs are accommodated with individualized plans. Children Youth Formation (grades 1–5) meets Sundays in English and Spanish; EDGE Middle School Ministry serves grades 6–8 on Wednesdays 4:30–6:00 PM. High School Confirmation is a two-year process typically beginning in 9th grade, with classes on Sundays 11:15 AM–1:00 PM. The OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children) prepares children over age 7 for Baptism and First Communion, and OCIA welcomes adults thinking about becoming Catholic.
- Children's Liturgy (ages 5–10) — during 10 AM Sunday Mass
- Children with Special Needs — individualized plans available
- Children Youth Formation (grades 1–5) — Sundays at 9 AM (English), 1:10 PM (English/Spanish), and 3 PM (Spanish)
- EDGE Middle School (grades 6–8) — Wednesdays 4:30–6:00 PM
- High School Confirmation — 2-year process starting 9th grade, Sundays 11:15 AM–1:00 PM
- OCIC (Order of Christian Initiation for Children, formerly RCIC) — Sundays 11:15 AM–12:15 PM
- OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults / RCIA) — by appointment
- Sacramental Preparation — First Holy Communion after 2 consecutive years of classes
- Adult Confirmation — for those 18 and older
Adult Faith and Bible Study
The Thursday Night Bible Study Group meets from 7:00–8:30 PM in the Ministry Building, with 10–15 regular members open to newcomers. The parish emphasizes that 'the more we can understand the inspired writings in the books of the Bible, the more we understand the beliefs, celebrations and rituals of' the Catholic faith.
- Thursday Night Bible Study — 7:00–8:30 PM, Ministry Building
- Contact: Ben Davi, 925-439-9279
Sacraments
Good Shepherd celebrates all seven sacraments. Baptism for children is administered through the Youth Formation Program; adults prepare through RCIA/OCIA. First Holy Communion requires two consecutive years of classes for children in grades 1–12. Confirmation is a two-year process starting in 9th grade and must include participation in the Life Teen program. Couples must make marriage arrangements at least six months in advance and complete the Diocese of Oakland's marriage preparation program. The Anointing of the Sick is available 24/7, particularly in imminent danger of death, via a parish hotline. Quinceañera Masses are scheduled on Saturdays at 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM for young women preparing for Confirmation. Funeral and burial arrangements are coordinated through the parish office.
- Baptism (infants/children, adults)
- First Holy Communion
- Confirmation (2-year process; Life Teen required)
- Reconciliation / Confession
- Anointing of the Sick — 24/7 hotline
- Matrimony (6 months' advance notice; Diocese of Oakland marriage prep)
- Quinceañera — Saturdays 12:00 PM or 2:00 PM
- Funerals and Burials
- Holy Orders — vocational discernment guided by the pastor
Parish Ministries and Organizations
Good Shepherd supports a wide range of lay ministries and organizations that carry on the work of Christ in the parish and wider community. These include liturgical roles (Altar Guild, Ushers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers), pastoral care (Grief Support, Wedding Ministry), outreach (St. Vincent de Paul), fellowship (Women's Guild, CYO), and parish governance (Pastoral Council, Finance Committee). Distinct cultural communities — Spanish, Cameroon, French, Nigerian, and Filipino — meet and worship in their own languages and traditions.
- St. Vincent de Paul
- Altar Guild
- Women's Guild
- Ushers
- Lectors
- Eucharistic Ministers
- Altar Servers
- Music Ministry
- CYO (Catholic Youth Organization)
- Grief Support Ministry
- Wedding Ministry
- Pastoral Council
- Parish Finance Committee
- Spanish, Cameroon, French, Nigerian, and Filipino community groups
Youth Ministry and the Passion Play
The Youth Ministry coordinates Life Teen-based Confirmation preparation, EDGE Middle School, and the parish's celebrated annual Passion Play — as of recent years in its 32nd annual performance with a cast and crew of nearly 80 talented youth. The production has been featured in regional media over the years and remains a labor of love supported by every pastor and parish administration.
- Life Teen–based Confirmation preparation
- EDGE Middle School Youth Ministry
- 32nd Annual Passion Play — featured in regional media
Multicultural Community Life
Good Shepherd is proud of its diversity. In addition to English-language Masses, the parish offers a 3:00 PM Spanish Mass every Sunday and a 4:30 PM French Mass on the first Sunday of every month. Distinct communities from Cameroon, Nigeria, and the Philippines also worship and gather at the parish — making Good Shepherd a genuinely multicultural Catholic home in eastern Contra Costa County.
- Spanish Mass — Sundays 3:00 PM
- French Mass — 1st Sunday of the month, 4:30 PM
- Cameroon, Nigerian, and Filipino community groups
Facilities: Parish Hall, Ministry Building, and Spiritual Garden
Good Shepherd's campus includes several facilities built or renovated across its history. The Fr. Louis Dabovich Parish Hall, dedicated in April 1980 by Bishop John Cummins, is one of the largest event venues in Pittsburg and is well-known for crab feeds, quinceañeras, wedding banquets, dinner dances, and other civic and religious gatherings. The Ministry Building, erected in 2000 under Fr. Helmut Richter's leadership, houses all parish offices and is used as a meeting space by many ministries and community organizations. The Spiritual Prayer Garden, also realized in 2002, includes the Stations of the Cross and serves as a space for prayer, wedding banquets, fundraisers, and parish events. In January 2023, severe storms damaged the Prayer Park; renovations began in 2025 under Fr. Peter Lawongkerd.
- Fr. Louis Dabovich Parish Hall (1980) — one of the largest event venues in Pittsburg
- Ministry Building (2000) — parish offices and meeting space
- Spiritual Prayer Garden (2002) — with Stations of the Cross
- Prayer Park — storm-damaged January 2023; renovations underway 2025
Giving and Parish Support
Parishioners and visitors can support Good Shepherd through online giving, Zelle (by scanning the parish QR code or sending to [email protected]), or by dropping donations outside the Ministry Building. The parish also operates a Parish Finance Committee and a yearly Bishop's Appeal drive.
- Online giving via the parish website
- Zelle to [email protected]
- Donations outside the Ministry Building
- Parish Finance Committee
- Annual Bishop's Appeal
Visit, Contact, and Connect
Good Shepherd's doors are open to all. The parish office can be reached at (925) 432-6404, Monday through Thursday during business hours. The Sunday 10:00 AM Mass and weekday 7:30 AM Masses are livestreamed on YouTube via the parish website, making it possible to worship with the Good Shepherd community from anywhere. Registered parishioners may obtain the entry code for Eucharistic Adoration from the office during business hours.
- Parish office: (925) 432-6404
- Livestream Mass — YouTube (via parish website)
- Bulletins archive on parish website
- Address: 3200 Harbor Street, Pittsburg, CA 94565
- Website: http://www.goodshepherdpittsburg.org/
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Louis Dabovich1965–1997
First pastor; a priest from Yugoslavia appointed by Bishop Floyd L. Begin on May 25, 1965. Served 32 years; first Mass celebrated July 4, 1965 in a former furniture store known as 'The Supermarket Church.' Retired 1997, remained in the parish until his death in 2001. The parish hall is named after him.
- Fr. Helmut Richter1997–2012
Second pastor in parish history. Oversaw construction of the Ministry Building (2000) and creation of the Spiritual Garden (2002) with the Stations of the Cross. Guided the 2011 renovation of the church sanctuary and worship space with the Seeno family's generosity.
- Fr. Rolando Bartolay2012 (briefly)
Parish Administrator appointed by Archbishop Alexander Brunnet after Fr. Helmut's retirement.
- Fr. Carl ArcosaSeptember 2013
Named Parish Administrator by Bishop Michael Barber.
- Fr. Thi Van Hoang2018–summer 2025
Parochial Administrator appointed by Bishop Michael Barber. Oversaw siding repair and painting of all buildings, the Good Shepherd and Mary statues in front of the church, and the mural in the Parish Hall. Transferred to St. Joseph Mission San Jose, Fremont, in summer 2025.
- Fr. Peter LawongkerdSummer 2025–present
Current Parochial Administrator, succeeded Fr. Thi Van Hoang.